Images of the Ladder to Heaven

The Publican used humility as a ladder and was raised to the height of heaven; but the wretched Pharisee was lifted by pride onto rotten emptiness, and fell into the trap of hell.

You are the beauty of Jacob, holy Virgin; the divine ladder he saw in days of old, stretching from earth to heaven, for you bring down the Incarnate God from on high, and bring mortal men up to heaven.